Cognizant job cuts may impact up to 15,000 employees globally as the company restructures operations in May 2026. According to Moneycontrol, Cognizant may lay off between 12,000 and 15,000 employees under Project Leap, with most cuts expected in India (Chandra R Srikanth & Reshab Shaw, May 5, 2026).
Cognizant may cut 12,000 to 15,000 jobs globally under Project Leap
The planned workforce reduction could range between 12,000 and 15,000 roles worldwide. Most of the reductions are expected in India, where the company employs over 250,000 people. This concentration reflects the company’s large delivery base in the country. It also indicates that cost optimisation efforts will focus on regions with higher workforce density.
At the same time, the company employs more than 357,000 people globally. Therefore, the restructuring will impact a substantial portion of its workforce across multiple regions.
Cognizant job cuts reflect shift in IT workforce model
The shift reflects changes in IT service delivery models. Companies are moving away from pyramid-heavy staffing structures. Clients now demand leaner teams and faster delivery.
As a result, organisations are adopting models that combine digital labour and human talent. This change reduces dependency on large entry-level hiring and reshapes workforce planning.
Impact of Cognizant job cuts on workforce and costs
The restructuring is linked to Project Leap cost planning. The company expects to incur between $230 million and $320 million in restructuring expenses. Out of this, $200 million to $270 million is allocated for severance and personnel costs.
In India, average salary assumptions and severance estimates suggest a large share of layoffs could occur locally. Meanwhile, higher-cost regions such as the United States may see fewer job cuts due to higher severance payouts per employee.
Industry wide pressure driving Cognizant job cuts
Cognizant job cuts come as the IT sector faces slower discretionary spending and rising automation. Companies are focusing on productivity gains while reducing workforce size.
Other firms such as TCS, Accenture, HCLTech, and Oracle have also announced workforce changes. This trend reflects a wider shift across the industry towards cost efficiency and AI-led delivery systems.
